NEW ZEALAND’S BROTHELS are bracing themselves for a busy six weeks of sex-starved rugby supporters, with Irish fans among those who have pre-booked their visit to a Wellington club in an attempt to beat the rush.
“Madam Mary” Brennan, the owner of a bondage business in the capital, told AFP that some of the green army have got their names down before they even set foot in the country, while customers from South Africa, England and Canada were also quick off the mark .
It seems that these eager Irish fans are hoping to get lucky in more ways than one, however — Ireland’s first game in Wellington will not be until the quarter-finals, if Declan Kidney’s men can safely navigate their way through the group stages.
Prostitution was legalised in New Zealand eight years ago, with many of the industry’s workers arguing that the move has given them far more protection and ensures that their human rights are respected.
There are now an estimated 3,500 prostitutes in the country, slightly less than one per every 12,000 citizens.
But with the amount of potential clients set to skyrocket between now and 23 October, many brothels have ramped up their efforts to secure a slice of the lucrative market, bumping up staff levels and installing big screens in their waiting areas to screen the on-field action live.